[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 21 (Tuesday, March 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO NATIONAL TRUCK EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 1, 2005

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a fine 
organization in my congressional district, the National Truck Equipment 
Association, NTEA, which is the leading association supporting the 
commercial truck and transportation equipment industry.
  Established in 1964, the NTEA supports the $86 billion commercial 
truck and transportation equipment industry. The Association currently 
represents nearly 1,600 companies that manufacture, distribute, 
install, sell and repair commercial trucks, truck bodies, truck 
equipment, trailers and accessories.
  The multi-service work trucks produced by NTEA member companies are 
vitally important to our Nation's economic system and our day-to-day 
living. Almost all delivery, utility, repair, maintenance, disposal/
recycling and emergency services, as well as the construction and 
agricultural industries, utilize commercial vehicles. These versatile 
vehicles enable us to deliver goods, construct and repair roads, homes 
and buildings, transport people, provide emergency fire, medical and 
rescue services, install and repair utilities, collect trash for 
disposal and recycling, control snow and ice, and operate farms, among 
many other services.
  At the heart of today's commercial truck and transportation equipment 
industry are an estimated 4,000 small businesses, many of them family-
owned, about 2,000 of which operate as distributorships. In aggregate, 
the work truck and equipment industry has annual sales of more than $90 
billion and employs more than 75,000 people.
  This week, NTEA will host its 41st Annual National Truck Equipment 
Association Convention and Work Truck Show, one of the largest trade 
events in the United States. The show, which represents the largest 
gathering of work trucks and equipment in North America, will bring 
together manufacturers, distributors, fleet managers, leasing 
companies, dealers, buyers and users of work trucks in all industries 
in an environment designed to deliver the newest products, encourage 
peer interaction and enhance professional development.
  In honor of this 41st Annual Convention, I want to commend NTEA and 
its member companies for their significant contributions to the 
country. I look forward to working together with NTEA to build upon its 
achievements to make the association even stronger for the future.

                          ____________________